New street-food hit in Nice: the "Socca Dog" is taking the Christmas market by storm
Local entrepreneur Axel Gatineau is turning heads at Nice’s 2025 Christmas Market with his inventive “Socca Dog”, a Niçoise twist on the classic corn dog that’s quickly becoming a festive favourite.
A new street-food creation is causing a buzz at Nice’s 2025 Christmas Market and it’s all thanks to local entrepreneur Axel Gatineau, whose inventive “Socca Dog” is drawing in crowds of curious food lovers.
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Gatineau, 35, launched the concept this summer and is now serving it daily from his chalet at the Jardin Albert Ier market.
Working long hours from morning until late evening, he says the festive atmosphere makes it all worthwhile.
“People are happy and the Christmas market only lasts 38 days,” he said.
The Socca Dog is Gatineau’s Niçoise twist on the classic American corn dog.
Inspired by his love of street-food-on-a-stick, he wanted to adapt the idea using local flavours.
His version wraps an Italian Pérugine sausage from Nice’s renowned Boucherie de la Tour in a batter made with chickpea flour, the base of Nice’s traditional socca.
It’s then coated in Japanese panko breadcrumbs before being fried and served hot.
Customers can choose from several options, including the Classic Nissart, Raclette and Vegan versions, each with a homemade sauce.
“I wanted to represent our Niçoise culture and share it with everyone,” Gatineau said.
“The feedback has been fantastic.”
Designed to be eaten on the go, the Socca Dog is proving a practical hit with visitors navigating the busy market alleys with a drink in hand.
Gatineau was selected by the city of Nice through an application process for this year’s Christmas Market and hopes the project will grow.
After the festive season, he plans to take Socca Dog to festivals across the region and perhaps open a small permanent venue in the future.
The Socca Dog costs €9.50, or €12 with a drink and sauce.
The stand is located at the back of the Christmas Market, between Aligot, Le Croc and La Buvette Niçoise, and is open daily until 4 January 2026.